Meeting new people - especially in a group setting, and especially when that group setting is in a new and unfamiliar place can be intimidating.  It can be a challenge and we all can have doubts about whether we are wearing the right clothes, or using appropriate table manners. Those thoughts coupled with the anxiety of wondering what to say, and whether one will make a good impression all add up to butterflies in the stomach.  Now, imagine that this was a lunch that held the key to your future - perhaps they are no longer butterflies fluttering their wings in your stomach but rather horses galloping in your entire body.  I know that for me they were butterflies - but how about the 7 kids we met?  This program may be a life altering experience for them. Perhaps a last chance for that big prayer to be answered - to have a family to call their own.  

This evening we (the ambassadors met) and shared our conversations with the kids.  As it happened, it was John Mark's birthday today and it was Joshua's birthday within the past week.  The event did not go un-noticed.  It was complete with cake and singing.  When asked what John Mark wanted for his birthday - his reply was that this was already the best birthday ever because he was selected to participate in this program.  

Fast forwarding a bit - those doggone butterflies are back - they are now fluttering with the responsibility that we have in this trip.  Yes, it is great to see familiar faces of friends made over the years that I have traveled here; and it is great to see the amazing, different, special places and sights that this country has to offer.  But, it is a bit daunting to feel the weight of responsibility that we have made to advocate for these children.  The hope in their eyes; their faith that anything is possible inspire us to be advocates.